GlobeNewswire - ReligionContains the last 20 releasesuuid:c5dea9fc-2d43-4665-a1ca-51a8829a880a;id=109292019-01-03T03:08:41Znewsdesk@globenewswire.com (NewsDesk)http://globenewswire.com/LegacyRss?Length=4newsdesk@globenewswire.comhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/03/1679877/0/en/Foundation-for-a-Drug-Free-World-Volunteers-Educate-Over-82-000-Florida-Residents-in-2018-on-the-Truth-About-Drugs.htmlFoundation for a Drug-Free World Volunteers Educate Over 82,000 Florida Residents in 2018 on the Truth About Drugs2019-01-03T03:08:41Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZCLEARWATER, Fla., Jan. 02, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At their end-of-the year acknowledgment party on December 30th, 2018, the Florida chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) announced the contributions of their volunteers to making 2018 a Drug-Free one: Florida FDFW volunteers have contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours in 2018 to educate youth and the community on the dangers of drugs with “The Truth About Drugs” educational materials. This includes distributing over 230,000 drug education booklets, reaching 82,000 people with presentations and events, and having over 2,500 people sign the drug-free pledge. Volunteers were then encouraged to continue their service to Florida. The Church of Scientology is a sponsor of the FDFW program.]]>1679877enGlobeNewswire Inc.Church of Scientology Flag Service OrganizationThu, 03 Jan 2019 03:08 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Religionhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/31/1679239/0/en/Houthis-accelerate-court-proceedings-against-Baha-is-in-Yemen.htmlHouthis accelerate court proceedings against Baha’is in Yemen2018-12-31T16:33:05Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZWashington, D.C., Dec. 31, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over the last few days, the Houthi authorities in Yemen have escalated their persecution against the Baha’i community.

Due to pressure exerted by the Houthis on officials in Yemen, an appeals court hearing for Mr. Hamed bin Haydara, a Yemeni Baha'i sentenced to death early this year, has been abruptly scheduled for tomorrow, January 1, 2019.

The Houthis have also refused to include six Baha’i prisoners of conscience in the previously agreed-to prisoner exchange negotiated with the Yemeni government under the auspices of the United Nations. The Houthis are fast-tracking the issuing of a verdict against 24 Baha’is, including the six prisoners along with 18 others who are not currently detained, whom they have indicted on charges of apostasy and espionage. These charges, widely decried as baseless by the international community, can carry the death sentence.

Almost a full year has passed since Mr. Haydara appealed his death sentence. The same judge who issued this death sentence is presiding over the case of the 24 Baha’is.

“We are gravely concerned for the Baha’is in Yemen,” said Mr. Anthony Vance, Director of the U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs, “as these developments do not inspire confidence in the fairness of their trial. We ask the judicial authorities to clear Mr. Haydara of the baseless accusations made against him, along with those made against the other Baha’is in Yemen."]]>1679239enGlobeNewswire Inc.Baha'i National CenterMon, 31 Dec 2018 16:32 GMTGovernment NewsLaw & Legal IssuesPoliticsReligionBahaiBaha'iYemenReligionHouthiHuman Rightshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/30/1679033/0/en/Jewish-Filmmaker-Baptist-Preacher-and-The-Prodigal-Son-Meet-the-Father-s-Love-this-January-on-Upliftv.htmlJewish Filmmaker, Baptist Preacher and The Prodigal Son Meet the Father’s Love this January on Upliftv2018-12-30T13:00:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZUpliftv pours fresh laughter and inspiration into the new year with faith-based story about an unlikely pair that overcome differences and discover The Father’s unconditional love. As the globe’s one-stop-hub for year-long spiritual refreshment and encouragement, Upliftv gives viewers a steady and powerful stream of Christian movies, series, documentaries and teachings that will keep the fire burning 24 hours a day.]]>1679033enGlobeNewswire Inc.OlympusatSun, 30 Dec 2018 13:00 GMTArts & EntertainmentFeature ArticleOther NewsReligionPress releasesBy the Grace of BobThe Town that Came A-CourtinWalk on Water: Family ReunionWings of The Windupliftvhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/27/1678629/0/en/Freedom-Alliance-Awards-Record-Number-of-College-Scholarships-to-Children-of-Military-Heroes.htmlFreedom Alliance Awards Record Number of College Scholarships to Children of Military Heroes2018-12-27T18:00:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZDulles, Virginia, Dec. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freedom Alliance, an organization supporting our nation’s military families and wounded service members, awarded $1.6 million in college scholarships to 398 students in 2018. Each of the students is the son or daughter of a military hero who lost his life or was severely injured in military service. ]]>1678629enGlobeNewswire Inc.Freedom AllianceThu, 27 Dec 2018 18:00 GMTPoliticsReligionPress releaseseducationscholarshipnonprofitmilitaryveteranshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/21/1677630/0/en/Last-member-of-former-Iranian-Baha-i-leadership-group-ends-prison-term.htmlLast member of former Iranian Baha’i leadership group ends prison term2018-12-21T13:00:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZWashington, D.C., Dec. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The last imprisoned member of the Yaran, the former ad-hoc Baha’i leadership group in Iran, was released from prison on December 20 after serving a 10-year sentence for practicing his faith.

The Iranian government arrested Afif Naeimi, 56, on May 14, 2008, charging him with espionage, propaganda against Iran, and the establishment of an illegal administration. These claims, along with those made against his colleagues, have been dismissed by media and human rights experts as baseless.

Mr. Naeimi’s imprisonment was marked by serious health problems, exacerbated by his incarceration and the lack of adequate care provided. When hospitalized, authorities deemed that his medical furlough would not count as part of his time served.

“Though we are happy that Mr. Naeimi has been released, we would like to emphasize the importance of not becoming complacent,” said Mr. Anthony Vance, Director of the U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs. “Mr. Naeimi should have never been imprisoned to begin with, and, over the ten years of his incarceration, thousands of Baha’is in Iran have continued to suffer.”

The release of Mr. Naeimi follows the passage of two separate resolutions condemning the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the first on December 12, while the United Nations General Assembly passed the second on December 17.

Last month, a statement released by a group of Muslim intellectuals in Iran condemned the ongoing state-sponsored persecution of Baha’is in Iran, calling it “disgusting and disgraceful.”

For more information about religious persecution and the rights of the Baha’is in Iran, please contact the U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs at 202-833-8990, or visit publicaffairs.bahai.us.]]>1677630enGlobeNewswire Inc.Baha'i National CenterFri, 21 Dec 2018 13:00 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Government NewsLaw & Legal IssuesPoliticsReligionPress releasesBaha'iBahaiReligionIranHuman RightsInternational AffairsGlobal Affairshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/18/1669167/0/en/UNITED-SIKHS-DEMAND-AMAZON-REMOVE-OFFENSIVE-ANTI-SIKH-MERCHANDISE.htmlUNITED SIKHS DEMAND AMAZON REMOVE OFFENSIVE ANTI-SIKH MERCHANDISE2018-12-18T23:41:21Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZGlobal, United-Nations Affiliated Humanitarian NGO Offers Sikh Awareness Training to Jeff Bezos]]>1669167enGlobeNewswire Inc.UNITED SIKHSTue, 18 Dec 2018 23:41 GMTFeature ArticleLifestylePoliticsReligionPress releasesAmazonJeff BezosSikhreligionretailpurchasingbath matdoor matAmazon.comhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/18/1669145/0/en/Don-t-forget-Mom-Stay-Connected-with-Senior-Loved-Ones-this-Holiday-Season.htmlDon’t forget Mom – Stay Connected with Senior Loved Ones this Holiday Season2018-12-18T22:01:03Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZOmaha, NE, Dec. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The holidays are times filled with family and celebration, and there’s no better time to connect or reconnect with aging loved ones. But supporting seniors during the hustle and bustle of the season takes some planning.]]>1669145enGlobeNewswire Inc.ImmanuelTue, 18 Dec 2018 22:01 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Feature ArticleHealthOther NewsReligionPress releasesimmanuelassisted livingretirementseniorfamilynebraskaOmahaholidayshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/18/1669078/0/en/UN-resolution-denounces-human-rights-abuses-against-Baha-is-in-Iran.htmlUN resolution denounces human rights abuses against Baha’is in Iran2018-12-18T21:00:48Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZWashington, D.C., Dec. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has condemned the Iranian government’s chronic violation of human rights against minorities, including members of the Baha’i Faith, in a resolution that was approved on December 17.

The resolution, introduced by Canada with 43 co-sponsors, adopted by a vote of 84 to 30 with 67 abstentions, voices "serious concern regarding ongoing severe limitations and restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief."

It calls upon the Iranian government to "release all religious practitioners imprisoned for their membership in or activities on behalf of a recognized or unrecognized minority religious group, including the remaining imprisoned member of the Baha’i leadership."

This UN resolution follows the unanimous passage last week of a resolution by the U.S. House of Representatives, Resolution 274, which condemned the government-sponsored persecution of the Baha’is in Iran.

“Although we are heartened by the efforts of the international community to address the persecution of the Baha’is,” said Mr. Anthony Vance, Director of the U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs, “there are still over 90 Baha’is held in prison on baseless charges, not to mention the economic, educational, and cultural deprivations that block the progress of thousands of Baha’is in Iran every day.”

“Just recently,” he added, “the body of a deceased elderly Baha’i woman was exhumed and left in the desert, days after her burial. Until degradations like this stop, and Baha’is are accepted as full members of society, there is little cause for celebration.”]]>1669078enGlobeNewswire Inc.Baha'i National CenterTue, 18 Dec 2018 21:00 GMTGovernment NewsLaw & Legal IssuesPoliticsReligionPress releaseshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/05/1662693/0/en/SIKH-COMMUNITY-DONATES-HUMANITARIAN-AID-TO-CALIFORNIA-FIRE-SURVIVORS.htmlSIKH COMMUNITY DONATES HUMANITARIAN AID TO CALIFORNIA FIRE SURVIVORS2018-12-05T20:17:38Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZInternational Volunteer Day Commemorated with Selfless Acts of Service]]>1662693enGlobeNewswire Inc.UNITED SIKHSWed, 05 Dec 2018 20:17 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Feature ArticleGovernment NewsLifestyleReligionPress releasesvolunteerUnited Nationshumanitarianfiredisasterfirst responderCaliforniapolicefirefightersheriffSalvation ArmyRed Crosshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/04/1661767/0/en/YouVersion-Bible-App-announces-most-popular-Bible-verse-of-2018.htmlYouVersion Bible App announces most popular Bible verse of 20182018-12-04T14:00:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZMost downloaded Bible app continues to gain momentum]]>1661767enGlobeNewswire Inc.YouVersionTue, 04 Dec 2018 14:01 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.LifestylePartnershipsProduct / Services AnnouncementReligionPress releasesBibleAppBible AppYouVersionVerse of the Yearmobile appbible engagementGodreligionChristianityLife.Churchhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/12/04/1661715/0/en/YouVersion-Bible-App-announces-most-popular-Bible-verse-of-2018.htmlYouVersion Bible App announces most popular Bible verse of 20182018-12-04T13:39:22Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZMost downloaded Bible app continues to gain momentum]]>1661715enGlobeNewswire Inc.YouVersionTue, 04 Dec 2018 13:39 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.LifestylePartnershipsProduct / Services AnnouncementReligionPress releasesBibleAppBible AppYouVersionVerse of the Yearmobile appbible engagementGodreligionChristianityLife.Churchhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/11/29/1659198/0/en/Human-Rights-Office-Educates-Parents-on-How-to-Protect-Their-Children-From-Predators.htmlHuman Rights Office Educates Parents on How to Protect Their Children From Predators 2018-11-29T17:15:46Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZCLEARWATER, Fla., Nov. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the 1st of December the United for Human Rights (UHR) Florida chapter located in downtown Cleawater and sponsored by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization will host the final seminar in their 2018 series on Human Trafficking, “Citizens against Predators”. The seminar will educate parents on how to protect their children, what are the signs that a predator is stalking their child and how to create agreements with their child so they know what to do and what not to do to keep predators at bay. The seminar will be held at 1:30pm in the 101 N Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater UHR Center. All concerned residents and parents of Tampa Bay are welcome.]]>1659198enGlobeNewswire Inc.Church of Scientology Flag Service OrganizationThu, 29 Nov 2018 17:15 GMTReligionhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/11/27/1657347/0/en/Upliftv-features-movies-exalting-Christian-faith-during-the-Holiday-season.htmlUpliftv features movies exalting Christian faith during the Holiday season2018-11-27T13:00:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZUpliftv, the network that showcases inspirational movies, series, and documentaries, as well as a variety of TV ministries, will feature the network premiere of five thought-provoking films that preach and teach fundamental Christian lessons. Every Saturday at 7 p.m. EST, a carefully selected story will be showcased as part of Cinema Saturdays, the network’s faith-based movie block presented by Parables.]]>1657347enGlobeNewswire Inc.OlympusatTue, 27 Nov 2018 13:00 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Arts & EntertainmentCalendar of EventsFeature ArticleLifestyleReligionChristian moviesministriesinspirationaldocumentariesparablesupliftvspirit of Christmashttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/11/15/1652511/0/en/The-Way-to-Happiness-Association-Takes-Action-to-Rid-the-Environment-of-Litter.htmlThe Way to Happiness Association Takes Action to Rid the Environment of Litter2018-11-15T16:08:31Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZCLEARWATER, Fla., Nov. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday November 10th, volunteers from The Way to Happiness Association of Tampa Bay volunteer team took the continuing issue of littering to heart cleaning up 45 lbs. of trash on The Way to Happiness-adopted Clearwater mile of the Pinellas Trail. The volunteers geared up with the needed supplies and equipment at their Clearwater office on Fort Harrison Avenue and then hit the trail picking up cans, bottles, and cigarette butts to name just a few of the items that were thoughtlessly discarded.]]>1652511enGlobeNewswire Inc.Church of Scientology Flag Service OrganizationThu, 15 Nov 2018 16:08 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Religionhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/11/14/1651543/0/en/URI-and-the-United-Nations-Office-on-Genocide-Prevention-Sign-Partnership-Agreement.htmlURI and the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention Sign Partnership Agreement2018-11-14T15:00:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZThe partnership agreement offers an opportunity for the two organizations to enable religious leaders to prevent and counter the violent acts that spark atrocities.]]>1651543enGlobeNewswire Inc.United Religions InitiativeWed, 14 Nov 2018 15:00 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Feature ArticleOther NewsPartnershipsReligionPress releasesUnited Religions InitiativeUnited NationsGenocide PreventionPrevent ViolenceReligious LeadersInterfaithPeacebuildinghttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/11/13/1651001/0/en/Christmas-Decor-Offers-a-Full-Service-Affordable-Solution-for-Outdoor-Holiday-Decorating-Chores.htmlChristmas Decor Offers a Full-Service, Affordable Solution for Outdoor Holiday Decorating Chores2018-11-13T21:48:58Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZHoliday lighting professionals deliver outdoor holiday displays that are always on-trend, fresh, and innovative]]>1651001enGlobeNewswire Inc.Christmas DecorTue, 13 Nov 2018 21:48 GMTLifestyleReligionPress releasesholiday budgetBrandon StephensChristmas Decor Franchiseholiday lighting & decoratingoutdoor holiday displayhttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/11/02/1644624/0/en/MEDIA-ALERT-Nomination-Deadline-November-11-2018.htmlMEDIA ALERT: Nomination Deadline November 11, 20182018-11-02T21:50:31Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZDeadline Approaches for Christmas Decor’s “Decorated Family” Nominations ]]>1644624enGlobeNewswire Inc.Christmas DecorFri, 02 Nov 2018 21:50 GMTLifestyleReligionPress releasesholiday decoratingBrandon StephensDecor professionalsdecorating serviceDecorated Family programmilitary familieshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/10/31/1640442/0/en/Real-Christians-Are-Zionists-Friends-of-the-Jewish-People.htmlReal Christians Are Zionists & Friends of the Jewish People2018-10-31T15:32:39Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZJERUSALEM, Oct. 31, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This past Shabbat, the Jewish community of Pittsburgh was stunned by a despicable act of anti-Semitic violence. Over the past few years, European Jewry has seen anti-Semitic violence and persecution from rising extremism on both the left and the right in countries like United Kingdom, France and Germany, though an act like this is almost unprecedented for the American Jewish community.]]>1640442enGlobeNewswire Inc.Friends of Zion MuseumWed, 31 Oct 2018 15:32 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.ReligionFOZMuseumJerusalemFriends of Zion Museumpittsburghchristian ZionistfriendsDr. Mike Evanshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/10/30/1639024/0/en/Upliftv-Presents-Stories-With-Valuable-Christian-Experiences-Every-Saturday.htmlUpliftv Presents Stories With Valuable Christian Experiences Every Saturday2018-10-30T12:00:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZUpliftv, the network that showcases inspirational movies, series and documentaries, as well as a variety of TV ministries, unveiled November’s selection of thought-provoking films for Cinema Saturdays, the faith-based movie block presented by Parables.]]>1639024enGlobeNewswire Inc.OlympusatTue, 30 Oct 2018 12:00 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Arts & EntertainmentFeature ArticleLifestyleOther NewsReligionChristian ExperiencesChristian moviesParablesCinema SaturdaysTV ministriesinspirational movieshttp://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/10/17/1623009/0/en/1877-Church-is-Born-Again-as-Extraordinary-CA-Wine-Country-Residence.html1877 Church is Born-Again as Extraordinary CA Wine Country Residence2018-10-17T20:18:00Z2019-01-21T22:39:01ZA Utopian Garden Paradise in the Shenandoah Valley]]>1623009enGlobeNewswire Inc.The Future of Real Estate (FRE)Wed, 17 Oct 2018 20:18 GMT]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.]]>GlobeNewswire Inc.Feature ArticleLifestyleOther NewsReligionTravelchurch homewine country retreathistoric churchhistoric propertywine country home